marriage, children, giving birth forced her to delay her education. and in 1949, at the age of 40, when she thought she had enough to graduate, she was told she fell short, one course short. by that time, she had to raise her family. >> because i know how much she valued education, how hard she had worked. and i knew she had attempted several times to finish. >> reporter: that is why her youngest daughter, wanted to do something for chandler. she contacted san jose state, recognizing her mother's love for learning. san jose state reviewed her records and concluded she had enough to graduate. but instead of a letter, san jose state awarded her a diploma. a bachelor's degree in home economics, backdated to august 28th, 1959. >> it is just the thing to prove i did it. but you know, it doesn't -- i don't go out and get a job or -- >> i'm real excited. i -- it is just -- a recognition of everything that she has worked for, and everything that she has done for us, for her family. >> reporter: while earning a diploma can mean a better economic opportunity, f